CLASSIC CINEMA 101: JAMES FRAWLEY'S THE MUPPET MOVIE A review excerpt by Joe Barlow (c) Copyright 1999 - All Rights Reserved
STARRING: Charles Durning, Austin Pendleton, Scott Walker, and the voices of Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt and Dave Goelz DIRECTOR: James Frawley WRITERS: Jack Burns and Jerry Juhl RELEASED: 1979
"A bear in his natural habitat... a Studebaker." --Fozzie Bear, The Muppet Movie
What do you get if you cross a bug-eyed, banjo-strummin' frog, a wisecracking bear, a love-struck pig with delusions of grandeur, a brilliant script, astonishingly catchy music, and cinematography that occasionally borders on magic? Well, in this state you'd probably get arrested... but that's okay, because you'd also get one of the most charming and endearing films to claw its way out of the 1970s.
The continuing appeal of The Muppet Movie is easy to understand after a viewing or two. It's a fun film, featuring some of cinema's loveliest melodies (both the musical score and its mesmerizing signature tune, "Rainbow Connection," were nominated for Oscars). But "fun" doesn't necessarily equate with "greatness," and it's not the only justification for the film's continued popularity. It touches a nerve with viewers. Its simple message ('Believe in yourself, and nothing is beyond your reach') is one we all want to believe... and in the hectic '90s, with weekly political scandals and perpetual conflict in the Middle East, we can all use some quality time with the Muppets and their values.
Kermit the Frog (voiced by the late Jim Henson) is a simple fellow. He lives in a swamp, and passes the time by singing songs and catching flies, yet somehow he feels unfulfilled. A passing fisherman (Dom DeLuise), who moonlights as a Hollywood agent, encourages the talented frog to consider a career in show business. Kermit is still hesitant, until the agent mentions that Kermit's talent could entertain millions of people. Wanting nothing more than to share his gifts with the world, Kermit sets off for Hollywood (by bicycle, no less! The sight is a visual marvel!) to seek his fortune. Along the way, he meets a number of other friends, all of whom have the same dream. The most significant of these are the amiable Fozzie Bear (voiced by Frank Oz), whose dream of being a stand-up comic is not at all hindered by the fact that his act isn't the least bit funny; the lovely Miss Piggy (Oz again), who falls hard for the dapper Kermit; and the strange turkey-like Gonzo (Dave Goelz) a plumber who dreams of being... well, a plumber. But having nothing better to do, he tags along for the ride.
And what a ride it is! The Muppet Movie is not just another 90-minute kiddie flick, like so many of today's so-called family films. No, this one is the real thing: a warm comedy, with a message that actually says something significant to its audience; as such, it can be enjoyed by parents and kids alike. As with their spiritual ancestors, Rocky and Bullwinkle, the Muppets' humor is sophisticated enough to offer smiles and laughs to all ages. Kids will laugh at Gonzo's physical stunts, while Mom and Dad will smile at the clever verbal jokes and visual gags that sail right over Junior's head (the piano player who looks just like Elton John, the recurring "hare krishna" motif, etc).
(The complete review can be found at: http://www.ipass.net/~jbarlow/muppet1.htm )
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